Airbnb's new guide for responsible hosting includes a code of conduct for host and guests. — CHRISTOPHER JOLLY/Unsplash
As part of its continued effort to promote responsible hosting in Malaysia, Airbnb has recently launched a guide for short-term rental accommodations (STRA) in strata buildings.
The Guide To Responsible Hosting In Buildings is described as Airbnb’s “one-stop portal” for strata hosts, property managers, joint management bodies (JMB), management corporations (MC), and strata developers on how to host STRA in apartments and condominiums.
Among the key features are proposed reference building by-laws that Airbnb developed in partnership with legal professionals Messrs. Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG law), Neighbourhood Support Line for guests to report urgent concerns such as disruptive parties (available in multiple languages, including Bahasa Melayu), and code of conduct for STRA, which outlines responsibilities and common courtesies for both hosts and guests.
According to the code of conduct, there are five main practices that hosts should adhere to. First is compliance with law, rules and regulations, which includes providing accurate advertisement of their accommodation.
Second is obligation towards guests, such as being available for guests during and outside ordinary hours in case of emergencies. Third, health and safety; for example, hosts must provide a first aid kit and clearly marked escape route.
Fourth, hosts must declare their STRA income to tax authorities and study relevant tax obligations, which includes personal income tax, corporate income tax, services tax, tourism tax and local taxes.
Fifth, hosts must practice common courtesies with guests as well as other residents and authorities, and are encouraged to share local attractions with guests in order to boost the local economy.
Hosts who are found to have breached the code of conduct may be served with a written warning by STRA platforms or any industry association that they are a part of, being permanently or temporarily banned from hosting STRA, or having a formal complaint or report lodged against them with the relevant authorities.
Guests will also face the same actions taken against them if they were to breach the code of conduct for guests.
Firstly, guests must comply with the law and regulations by not engaging in activities that contravene criminal law, planning laws, building rules, STRA platforms’ rules and the likes.
Secondly, guests are advised to be responsible visitors during their stay, which include taking care of the hosts’ property and avoiding causing nuisance to the neighbours.
Thirdly, guests must follow the national and local requirements on health and safety requirements recommended by the hosts. Guests must also familiarise themselves with the fire escape route and exact location of the first aid kit.
Last but not least, guests are advised to practice common courtesies, including being tolerant of the neighbours’ daily activities, which include their cultural and religious practices, as the experience of staying in a STRA building may vary to a certain degree from the experience of staying in a hotel.
